GIANTS coach Jon Sharp has made it clear that too much shouldn't be read into the squad numbers handed to his players for Super League IX.

The numbers the first-team squad will wear on their backs for the new season have now been revealed - and there are few surprises.

Brandon Costin's switch from half-back to loose-forward has been confirmed with the handing of the No13 shirt.

The No6 he occupied last season has been taken up by Stanley Gene, who until now proudly displayed No33.

It would also appear that new recruit Sean Penkywicz, who starred at hooker in the 36-0 pre-season win over Castleford Tigers, is being earmarked as a potential scrum half after being named at No7.

But there's just as much chance that Paul March could take the key half-back role despite being handed the No9 hooker's spot.

Of the other new McAlpine arrivals, Stuart Donlan is No3, Chris Nero is No11, Stuart Jones No14 and Paul Smith No17.

For superstitious reasons, club captain Darren Fleary will continue to wear 25 and Marcus St Hilaire is 34 - a throwback to their successful days at Leeds Rhinos where they collected Challenge Cup final winners' medals.

That's also the case with vice- captain Darren Turner, who keeps the No15 shirt he has now worn for almost a decade, including when Sheffield Eagles won the Challenge Cup at Wembley in 1998.

"Overall, the numbers the players have been handed is a reward for the way they have been working," said Sharp.

"But this doesn't automatically mean they will play in exactly the same place the number represents during the course of Super League. It's just a rough guide.

"We obviously spoke to the players before picking their numbers just in case they had any specific preference for something unusual.

"If they had a good enough reason for that, their prefered number stood.

"But most of them were happy to be given the numbers that were chosen for them, and there genuinely was a method to selecting them.

"For instance, Iain Morrison's number is now 16, which has dropped considerably from that he had last year.

"That's a reflection of the way Iain has been tackling his work this season."

The squad numbers were revealed at last night's Super League season's launch when Sharp and his players weree able to meet informally with the fans.

The event at the Chicago Rock Cafe proved a great success, with Sharp admitting the occasion gave the entire squad a major boost.

"The atmosphere was fantastic and you could feel the excitement as the season draws near," he added.

"I know the lads were given a real lift by the words of encouragement from the fans, and that's something which the boys will take with them into the start of Super League.

"The fans have given the lads a great platform for the season.

"And for that I would like to thank them all for turning up.

"Everyone now knows how much the supporters are behind us, and together I'm sure we can enjoy some good times."

Sharp is tonight keeping an eye on events at The Jungle where Castleford Tigers play their final warm-up game against Hull FC.

This will be the Tigers' last run-out before they visit the McAlpine for the Super League opener on Sunday week.

The pressure is mounting on Castleford coach Graham Steadman and his side to produce a solid display after suffering heavy pre-season defeats at Huddersfield, Leeds Rhinos and Bradford Bulls.

* The latest fund-rising event for Moldgreen player Danny Scott, who suffered serious spinal injuries in a game a month ago, takes place at the Lion at Almondbury tonight. It takes the form of a `Ladies Night' and gets under way from 7pm. All are welcome.